Method of and apparatus for encoding and recording identifying indicia for arrays of rod-shaped commodities

ABSTRACT

Packs of rod-shaped smokers&#39; products comprise containers of a material which permits monitoring of their contents by a suitable detector serving to generate signals which indicate the presence of characteristic indicia on one or more packed smokers&#39; products. Such signals are encoded and the encoded information is applied to the respective containers. The information can be decoded and compared with signals furnished by the detector in order to ascertain whether or not the smokers&#39; products are genuine, i.e., made by the manufacurer whose trademark(s) and/or other identifying information appear or appears on the containers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED CASES

[0001] This application claims the priority of commonly owned Germanpatent application Serial No. 199 47 282.3 filed Sep. 30, 1999. Thedisclosure of the above-referenced German patent application, as well asthat of each U.S. and foreign patent and patent application identifiedin the specification of the present application, is incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the making and confinement ofgroups of discrete commodities, such as arrays of plain or filtercigarettes or other types of rod-shaped articles of the tobaccoprocessing industry. Typical examples of commodities which can be madeand treated in accordance with the method and in the apparatus of thepresent invention are so-called soft and hinged-lid packs of plain orfilter cigarettes. Therefore, this specification will discuss primarilythe making and further processing of packs of cigarettes and of thecontents of such packs but with the understanding that the invention canbe practiced with equal or similar advantage in connection with themaking and processing of containers for other discrete products of thetobacco processing industry as well as of commodities in fields ofendeavor other than the making, packing and other modes of processing ofsmokers' products.

[0003] It is customary to confine arrays of, e.g., five, ten, nineteenor twenty cigarettes in packets each of which is made of two or morelayers of suitable wrapping material. For example, a so-calledhinged-lid pack can contain an array of twenty cigarettes in thecustomary quincunx formation, an inner envelope of a metallic sheetmaterial (such as tinfoil), a second envelope or box made of cardboardor plastic material and surrounding the array, the inner envelope aswell as a customary stiffening collar, and an outermost envelopeconsisting of cellophane or other suitable transparent or translucentsheet material and often containing a so-called tear strip or tear tape.The outermost envelope surrounds the box and must be removed, at leastin part, in order to afford access to the pivotable lid of the box.

[0004] It is becoming progressively more popular and more advisable toprovide a technique of detecting the existence of forgeries, i.e., toestablish a procedure which enables a person or an organization toascertain whether or not commodities provided with the trademark(s)and/or other indicia denoting the products offered for sale by areputable manufacturer of cigarettes or other types of groupedrod-shaped commodities are properly labelled or are products offered forsale or being sold by imitators. The detection of forgeries or theabsence of requisite numbers of cigarettes in an array is rendered moredifficult because a soft pack or a hinged-lid pack of cigarettes must beopened if an inspector or an apparatus is to gain access to the contentsof the pack.

[0005] Otherwise stated, it is advisable to ensure that the informationborne by the visible parts of a cigarette pack (i.e., the information atthe exterior of that envelope or those envelopes which can be inspectedwithout opening the pack) is truly indicative of the quantity and/ororigin of the contents of the pack.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a method of facilitatingthe identification (such as the ascertainment of genuineness or lack ofgenuineness) of the contents of containers or receptacles or packets fordiscrete cmmodities or groups of commodities, such as arrays ofcigarettes or other rod-shaped articles of the tobacco procssingindustry, without it being necessary to open the containers.

[0007] Another object of the invention is to provide a method of makingand/or processing discrete commodities (such as plain or filtercigarettes) and/or their containers in such away that the genuineness orlack of genuineness of the products can be ascertained without it beingnecessary to destroy the containers and/or otherwise alter the condition(such as the appearance and/or the dimensions) of the containers.

[0008] A further object of the invention is to provide a novel series ofsteps of associating the contents of cigarette packs or the like withthe maker or makers of the contents and/or the containers in a simple,time saving and relatively inexpensive manner.

[0009] An additional object of the instant invention is to provide anovel and improved apparatus for the practice of the above outlinedmethod.

[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to provide amachine or apparatus which is constructed and assembled to make readilyidentifiable products, such as cigarettes or other types of rod-shapedcommodities, namely products the origin of which can be readilyascertained without the need for affecting the integrity of the packs orother types of containers which confine and normally also conceal theproducts.

[0011] A further object of the invention is to provide novel andimproved means for facilitating the identification of plain or filtercigarettes or analogous rod-shaped smokers' products while the productsare confined and concealed in packs and/or other types of receptacles orcontainers.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a novel andimproved attachment which can be associated with existing makers ofrod-shaped smokers' products for the purpose of facilitating thepractice of the above outlined novel method.

[0013] An additional object of the invention is to provide rod-shapedsmokers' products, groups or arrays of such products, and packs or othertypes of containers or receptacles for such arrays, which render itpossible to practice the above outlined method by resorting to the aboveoutlined apparatus.

[0014] Still another object of the present invention is to provide anovel and improved technique of facilitating the detection of imitationsof established smokers' products.

[0015] A further object of the invention is to provide novel andimproved filter mouthpieces for use in the making of filter cigarettesor other filter tipped smokers' products.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] One feature of the present invention resides in the provision ofa method of facilitating identification of the contents of a container(such as a multiple-layer packet) for a group of commodities (such as anarray of parallel rod-shaped smokers' products). The improved methodcomprises the steps of providing the group with at least one identifyingindicium, confining the group in a container, generating at least onesignal which is indicative of the at least one indicium, encoding the atleast one signal, and applying to the container at least one decodablesymbol which is indicative of the encoded at least one signal.

[0017] As mentioned above, the group can constitute a block-shaped arrayof rod-shaped articles of the tobacco processing industry. The confiningstep can include draping the array into successive blanks of suitablewrapping material. Each blank can consist of a different wrappingmaterial.

[0018] The at least one indicium can constitute a composite indicium,and the method wherein the providing step includes providing the groupwith a composite indicium can further comprise the step of making thecommodities. The providing step can include furnishing or providing atleast some of the commodities with portions of identifying indicia inthe course of the making step (e.g., in the course of the step of makingfilter rod sections or filter mouthpieces which are thereupon assembledwith plain cigarettes into filter cigarettes.

[0019] If the at least one indicium is a composite indicium, theproviding step can include furnishing or providing at least some of thecommodities with portions of a composite indicium. The signal generatingstep of such method can include generating at least one signal which isindicative of mutual positions of portions of the composite indicium inthe group.

[0020] The container and the at least one identifying indicium can be ofsuch nature that the indicium is detectable through the container. Thesignal generating step of such method can include monitoring the groupsubsequent to the confining step.

[0021] In accordance with one presently preferred embodiment of theimproved method, the providing step can include applying to at least onecommodity of the group at least one foreign object (e.g., a strip of ametallic material) which is detectable through the container.

[0022] Another feature of the present invention resides in the provisionof a method of ascertaining the integrity of the contents of a containerwhich confines at least one discrete commodity (e.g., a group or arrayor formation of parallel rod-shaped articles). The method comprises thesteps of associating the at least one commodity with at least oneidentifying indicium, confining the thus identified at least onecommodity in the container (e.g., in the box of a hinged-lid cigarettepack), monitoring the at least one identifying indicium to gatherinformation denoting the thus detected identifying indicium, encodingthe thus gathered information, and applying the encoded information tothe container.

[0023] The monitoring step can be carried out subsequent to theconfining step if the at least one identifying indicium is selected andassociated with (e.g., applied to) the at least one commodity in such away that it is detectable through the container (e.g., through severalenvelopes of a cigarette pack).

[0024] If the contents of the container consist of an array ofrod-shaped smokers' products, the associating step of the method caninclude providing at least some smokers' products of the array withportions of a composite encoded information.

[0025] The associating step can include providing the commodity with apattern of randomly distributed portions of a composite identifyingindicium. The monitoring step of such method can be carried out prior tothe confining step.

[0026] For example, the monitoring step can include ascertaining theposition and/or the characteristics of the at least one identifyingindicium.

[0027] When desired or necessary, the method can further include thesteps of decoding the applied information and comparing the decodedinformation with the information obtained as a result of the monitoringstep. Such monitoring step can include ascertaining the position of theat least one identifying indicium. Alternatively, the monitoring stepcan include generating a plurality of first signals, and such method canfurther comprise the step of generating a second signal which denotesthe sum of the first signals; the encoding step of such method includesencoding the second signal.

[0028] The associating step can include associating the at least onecommodity with an identifying indicium which is detectable through thecontainer by at least one of a plurality of detectors includingacoustic, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, high-frequency,microwave and X-ray detectors.

[0029] Still further, the associating step of the discussed method caninclude providing the at least one commodity with at least one internaland/or external identifying indicium or criterion. If the at least onecommodity exhibits at least one criterion the presence or absence ofwhich can be interpreted as an identifying indicium, the associatingstep can include depriving the at least one commodity of the at leastone criterion.

[0030] A further feature of the present invention resides in theprovision of an apparatus for facilitating identification of thecontents of a container for a group of commodities at least one of whichexhibits at least one identifying indicium. The apparatus comprisesmeans for generating at least one signal which is indicative of the atleast one identifying indicium, means for encoding the at least onesignal, and means for applying to the container at least one decodablesymbol which is indicative of the encoded signal or signals.

[0031] The apparatus can further comprise means for decoding the appliedsymbol or symbols, and means for comparing the decoded symbol or symbolswith the at least one signal which was generated by the signalgenerating means.

[0032] The apparatus can also comprise means for providing the at leastone commodity of the group with at least one feature which causes the atleast one commodity to exhibit the at least one identifying indicium. Inorder to facilitate identification of the contents of a container for agroup of nonmetallic commodities, the providing means can include meansfor combining the at least one commodity with at least one metallicparticle (e.g.., with a strip of a suitable metallic material). Thenonmetallic commodities can comprise tubular envelopes, and the at leastone metallic particle can be provided at (i.e., on or in) the envelopeof the at least one commodity.

[0033] An additional feature of the present invention resides in theprovision of a smokers' product (such as a plain or filter cigarette,cigar, cigarillo or the like) which comprises a first portion (such asthe rod-like tobacco filler and the tubular wrapper of a plaincigarette) and a second portion which constitutes at least onecharacteristic or identifying indicium for the first portion. Forexample, the second portion can constitute at least one piece (such as astrip) of a metallic material. In accordance with one embodiment, theproduct can constitute a filter cigarette, cigar or cigarillo, and itsfirst portion can include or constitute a filter for tobacco smoke; theat least one piece of metallic material is or can be integrated into ahaphazardly (i.e., randomly) chosen part of the filter.

[0034] The novel features which are considered as characteristic of theinvention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. Theimproved apparatus itself, however, both as to its construction and themode of assembling and operating the same, together with numerousadditional important and advantageous features and attributes thereof,will be best understood upon perusal of the following detaileddescription of certain presently preferred specific embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035]FIG. 1 is a somewhat schematic front elevational view of acigarette pack containing an array of twenty filter cigarettes providedwith identifying indicia required for the practice of the improvedmethod, there being further shown a detector which can be utilized togenerate one or more signals that is or are indicative of theidentifying indicia;

[0036]FIG. 2 is a plan view of the cigarette pack of FIG. 1, with onewall of the packet omitted, and further shows a second detector for theidentifying indicia which are carried by the filter mouthpieces of thefilter cigarettes;

[0037]FIG. 3 is a schematic front elevational view of a standard filterrod making machine which is equipped with means for providing filtermouthpieces with identifying indicia different in size from thoseembodied in the filter cigarettes shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

[0038]FIG. 4 is a schematic elevational view of a conveyor for thetransport of receptacles in a packing machine which is set up toaccumulate filter cigarettes into groups, arrays or formations each ofwhich includes nineteen filter cigarettes each including a filtermouthpiece of the type turned out by the machine shown in FIG. 3; and

[0039]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of an apparatus which is constructedand assembled to encode information pertaining to the identifyingindicia in successive cigarette packs and to apply symbols denoting theencoded information to the receptacles of the respective cigarettepacks.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0040]FIG. 1 shows a group or array 6 of twenty filter cigarettes 1 in aso-called quincunx formation. Thus, the two outer layers contain sevencigarettes 1 each, and the median layer contains six cigarettes whichare parallel to but laterally offset relative to the cigarettes of thetwo outer layers. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the filter mouthpiece 3 ofeach filter cigarette 1 in the outer layer shown in FIG. 2 is providedwith an indicium 2 in the form of a relatively short magneticallydetectable metallic strip extending in parallelism with the axis of therespective filter cigarette. The indicia can be glued to the inner orouter sides of tubular wrappers, of the respective filter mouthpieces 3,or they can be confined in the filter material of the respectivemouthpiece (i.e., within the tubular wrapper) in a haphazard (random)fashion.

[0041] The other two layers of the quincunx formation or group 6 in theenvelope or packet 9 of the (soft or hinged-lid) pack 4 shown in FIGS. 1and 2 may (see FIG. 1) but need not be provided with identifying indicia2. In fact, the entire pack 4 can contain a single filter cigarette 1with a filter mouthpiece 3 which is provided with an identifyingindicium 2.

[0042] The identifying indicium of indicia 2 can be introduced into orapplied to the filter mouthpieces 3 in a filter rod making machine,e.g., in a machine of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,974,007granted Apr. 10, 1976 to Greve for “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THEPRODUCTION OF FILTER ROD SECTIONS OR THE LIKE”. The strip or strips 2 ofa single mouthpiece 3 or of two or more (e.g., all) filter mouthpiecesin a group or array 6 can be said to constitute the characteristicindicium or indicia of the entire contents of the packet 9 of thecigarette pack 4.

[0043] The strip or strips 2 can constitute small or minute fragments ofmetallic sheet material or minute or relatively large films of metallicpowder applied to layers of adhesive on the tubular wrapper or wrappersof one or more filter mouthpieces 3. All that counts is to ensure thatthe identifying indicium or indicia constituted by the metallic parts 2be readily detectable prior or subsequent to confinement of the group 6in one or more converted blanks constituting the packet 9 of thecigarette pack 4.

[0044] The strip or strips 2 can be applied directly to the respectivefilter mouthpieces 3 (e.g., to the tubular wrappers which directlysurround the filter material for tobacco smoke) or indirectly, namely byattaching or applying such strips to the so-called tipping paper whichis utilized to connect prefabricated plain cigarettes of unit lengthwith prefabricated filter mouthpieces. The manner of dividing a runningweb of tipping paper into discrete uniting bands which are utilized toconnect successive filter mouthpieces of double unit length withsuccessive pairs of plain cigarettes of unit length (to obtain groups ofthree coaxial rod-shaped articles) and of converting the thus obtainedfilter cigarettes of double unit length into filter cigarettes of unitlength is disclosed, for example, in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No.5,135,008 granted Aug. 4, 1992 to Oesterling et al. for “METHOD OF ANDAPPARATUS FOR MAKING FILTER CIGARETTES”.

[0045]FIG. 1 shows a detector 7 which is set up to generate at least onesignal indicative of the randomly distributed indicia 2 in the packet 9of the cigarette pack 4. The group 6 in the pack 4 of FIG. 1 can bemoved below and along the detector 7 in such a way that the filtercigarettes 1 advance lengthwise or sideways. The detector 7 canconstitute a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. Depending upon thenature of the identifying indicia 2 or of their equivalents, thedetector 7 or its equivalent can be set up to generate acoustic,electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, high-frequency, microwave and/orX-ray signals.

[0046] The packet 9 of the cigarette pack 4 can comprise two or moreenvelopes which can constitute converted blanks made of a metallic sheetmaterial (such as tinfoil or another suitable metallic foil), ofcardboard, and of transparent or translucent plastic sheet stock with orwithout a tear strip or tear tape.

[0047] Alternatively, or in addition to the detector 7 of FIG. 1, theapparatus which generates and processes signals denoting the compositeidentifying indicium composed of portions constituted by the strips 2can comprise a detector 8 which is shown in FIG. 2 adjacent the path ofexposed free ends of filter mouthpieces in the cigarette pack 4. Thefilter cigarettes 1 advance past the detector 8 while moving sideways,i.e., upwardly or downwardly as viewed in FIG. 2, or sideways but towardor away from the observer of FIG. 2. The thus generated signal is alsoindicative of the number as well as of the distribution of the portions2 of the composite identifying or characteristic indicium for the group6, i.e., for the array of twenty filter cigarettes 1 in the pack 4 ofFIG. 2. The detector 8, too, is assumed to be of the character capableof generating an appropriate signal (or a set of signals) through theadjacent portion (end wall) of the packet 9 forming part of thecigarette pack 4 shown in FIG. 2. For example, the detector 8 caninclude or constitute at least one permanent magnet or at least oneelectromagnet.

[0048] The signal or signals generated by the detector 7 and/or 8 is orare thereupon encoded to furnish at least one visible but preferablylatent symbol which is applied to the packet 9 of the cigarette pack 4and can be decoded (if and when necessary) to ascertain the genuinenessor lack of genuineness of the group or array 6 of cigarettes 1 actuallyconfined in the packet 9. This can be achieved by comparing the decodedsignal with the information which was furnished by the detector orsensor 7 and/or 8 during scanning of the composite identifying indiciumrepresented by the strips 2 while the pack 4 was being advanced past themonitoring station of FIG. 1 or 2 (or vice versa).

[0049] An improperly applied symbol (information) is or is likely to bedestroyed during normal opening of a cigarette pack which was producedby a competitor of the authorized maker of a brand to which the filtercigarettes 1 belong. Alternatively, if a pack 4 contains a symbol orother information purporting to be a symbol denoting the indicium orindicia represented by the symbol or symbols on the packet 9 of acigarette pack, a decoding of such information is followed by acomparison of decoded information with the recorded signals denoting theinformation which was gathered by the detector 7 and/or 8 duringadvancement of the pack 4 therealong.

[0050] It will be appreciated that the metallic strips or layers 2constitute but one of numerous identifying indicia which can be appliedto the contents of successive (genuine) packs 4 in order to ascertainthe genuineness or lack of genuineness of the contents of successive orselected cigarette packs. The nature of the detector 7 and/or 8 (or ofanother type of detector) will depend upon the characteristics of theidentifying indicium or indicia.

[0051] An advantage of the improved method and apparatus is that, if thedetector(s) can ascertain the presence and/or the nature (such as thedistribution and/or the number and/or other characteristics) of theindicium or indicia borne by or confined within the constituents of thegroup 6 from the outside of the packet 9, it is not even necessary toopen the packet of a pack which is to be examined. All that is necessaryis to memorize the information which was available to the detector 7and/or 8 during advancement of the cigarette pack therealong and tocompare such information with that represented by the symbol or symbolsapplied to the exterior of the packet 9.

[0052] It is further clear that the characteristic identifying indicia(such as the strips 2) need not be actually applied to the filtercigarettes 1 during the making of such smokers' products in a productionline. Thus, if the cigarettes 1 exhibit certain characteristics (e.g.,the composition of their uniting bands) which are proprietary to theauthorized maker of the packs 4, and if such characteristics can bereliably ascertained prior or subsequent to confinement of the groups 6in packets 9, the step of providing the mouthpieces 3 with strips 2 canbe dispensed with.

[0053] An advantage of the feature that the strips 2 and/or otheridentifying indicia (or parts of such indicia) can be in a random(haphazard) distribution is that the manner in which the filtercigarettes and/or their parts move and/or are coupled to each otherand/or are assembled into groups or arrays cannot influence the accuracyand reliability of the improved method and apparatus. The reason is thatthe detector 7 and/or 8 can be installed to generate one or more signalsdenoting the identifying indicia 2 of the group 6 subsequent toconfinement of the formation in the packet 9 of the cigarette pack 4,i.e., when the positions of filter cigarettes 1 in the group 6 relativeto each other no longer undergo any changes. Thus, the identifyingindicia of successive packs 4 remain unchanged.

[0054] Of course, such requirement need not be observed if thecigarettes 1 exhibit certain indicia which can be resorted to in orderto ascertain the maker of cigarettes and/or of the packets 9irrespective of whether the cigarettes which form a group or array orwhich are about to form an array have been caused to advance through andbeyond the detecting station or stations prior or subsequent tofinalizing of their positions relative to each other.

[0055] It is also possible to employ one or more detectors whichgenerate a discrete first signal in response to detection of eachportion or fragment of a composite identifying indicium, and tothereupon generate a second signal which corresponds to the sum of firstsignals pertaining to a group 6. The second signal is encoded, and theencoded information is applied to the container 9 for the pack 4 in theform of at least one decodable symbol.

[0056] Still further, it is possible to provide each group 6 with anidentifying or characteristic indicium which is obtained by deprivingone or more constituents (such as filter cigarettes 1) of one or morecriteria. For example, one can leave out one or more customaryingredients from cigarette paper, from the wrapping material for thefilter mouthpieces, and/or from the material (e.g., artificial cork) ofthe tipping paper; the absence of such ingredient(s) and/orconstituent(s) is ascertained by a properly designed detector and servesas an identifying indicium for the group 6.

[0057] An important advantage of the improved method and apparatus,especially of the method and apparatus which are designed to generate,encode and imprint information accurately designating randomlydistributed portions of composite identifying indicia, is that animitator cannot prevent accurate determination of the origin of thecontents of the packets 9 and/or the origin of the entire cigarettepack. Thus, the authorized maker and packer of cigarettes can protecther, his or its reputation by being in a position to rapidly andreliably ascertain the presence of imitations which attempt to infringethe trademark(s), patent(s) and/or other proprietary rights of theauthorized maker.

[0058]FIG. 3 shows certain details of a filter rod making machine whichis similar to that disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No.3,974,007 to Greve. Another filter rod making machine of the generalcharacter shown in FIG. 3 is described and illustrated in commonly ownedU.S. Pat. No. 4,412,505 granted Nov. 1, 1983 to Häusler et al. for“APPARATUS FOR APPLYING ATOMIZED LIQUID TO A RUNNING LAYER OFFILAMENTARY MATERIAL OR THE LIKE”.

[0059] The machine of FIG. 3 comprises a tow processing or tow preparingfirst section 11 serving to apply a suitable atomized plasticizer to astretched running tow 13 of filamentary filter material. The tow 11 isdrawn off a bale 12 and is loosened, stretched and sprayed withplasticizer (at 14) or, its way to a gathering horn 17 ahead of awrapping section 16. Successive increments of the tow 13 leaving thegathering horn 17 are draped into a running web 18 of wrapping material(such as cigarette paper). Conversion of the web 18 into the tubularwrapper of the thus obtained filter rod 3A is completed at the station19 including a conveyor 20 known as garniture. The filter rod 3A isrepeatedly severed at 15 to yield a file of successive filter rodsections 3′ of unit length or multiple unit length, depending upon thenature of the filter tipping machine which receives filter rod sections3′ from the machine of FIG. 3. A presently preferred tipping machine isthat disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,008 toOesterling et al.

[0060]FIG. 3 further shows a reel 21 serving as a source of a web 2Awhich is caused to advance with the running tow 13 into the gatheringhorn 17 and thence to the station 19 where it is draped into thewrapping material 18 to form part of the filter rod 3A. The web 2Aadvances and is repeatedly severed (at 15) jointly with the filter rod3A to constitute a strip 2′ (see FIG. 4) in each of the thus obtaineddiscrete filter rod sections or mouthpieces 3′.

[0061] A difference between the filter rod section 3′ which is obtainedin the machine of FIG. 3 and the filter mouthpieces 3 shown in FIG. 2 isthat each filter mouthpiece 3 is provided with a relatively short strip2, i.e., with a strip having a length which is a fraction of the lengthof the respective mouthpiece 3. On the other hand, the machine of FIG. 3turns out filter rod sections 3′ each having a strip 2 which is as longas the filter rod section 3′. However, the functions of both types of(shorter and longer) strips are the same, i.e., they constitute theidentifying indicia in the array or group 6 or 6′ of a cigarette pack 4or 4′.

[0062] The manner in which the filter cigarettes (4 or 4′) can beassembled into quincunx formations (6 or 6′) or analogous formations isdisclosed, for example, in commonly owned U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,886granted Sep. 18, 1984 to Erdmann et al. for “APPARATUS FOR ASSEMBLINGARRAYS OF CIGARETTES IN PACKING MACHINES”.

[0063] It is also possible to replace the metallic web 2A with a webhaving a specific color (e.g., a color sufficiently different from thatof the web 18 and/or from that of the tow 13) so that it can be readilydetected by a color-sensitive detector replacing the detectors 7 and 8.

[0064] The filter rod sections 3′ which leave the filter rod makingmachine of FIG. 3 and are thereupon assembled with plain cigarettes ofunit length (e.g., in a manner as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,008to Oesterling et al.) prior to being introduced into the machine of U.S.Pat. No. 4,471,866 to Erdmann et al. ultimately form part of groups 6′of the type shown in FIG. 4. Each such group 6′ comprises nineteenfilter cigarettes 1′ of unit length and the strips 2′ (which are longerthan the strips 2 of FIG. 2) are in random (haphazard) distributioninsofar as their angular positions are concerned. The advantages of suchrandom distribution are the same as those already described withreference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0065] The receptacle 22 shown in FIG. 4 corresponds to one of thereceptacles or pockets 3 shown in FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,471,866 toErdmann et al., and the reference character 23 denotes a conveyorcorresponding to the conveyor 2 in FIG. 2 of the patent to Erdmann etal. As a rule, each of a short or long series of groups one of which isshown at 6′ in FIG. 4 has a different distribution of strips 2′.

[0066] The detector 7′ of FIG. 5 serves to monitor successive formationsor groups 6′ during successive intervals of idleness of the stepwiseadvancing conveyor 23. The detector 7′ can constitute a commerciallyavailable matrix camera. Alternatively, or in addition to the detector7′, the apparatus of FIG. 5 can comprise a detector 26 which canconstitute a commercially available CCD camera. The latter can bepositioned to monitor the front end faces of filter rod sections 3′shown in FIG. 4. The camera 26 comprises an objective lens 24; thiscamera can constitute a line-by-line camera of the type known as SeriesJR2048 distributed by the Firm Schäfter & Kirchhoff, Hamburg, FederalRepublic Germany.

[0067] The reference character 27 denotes in FIG. 5 a timer which is setup to generate synchronous high-frequency pulses during stepwisemonitoring or scanning of the end portions of filter rod sections 3′ ofthe filter cigarettes 1′ shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 further shows an imageprocessing circuit 28 which ascertains the positions of the strips 2′and determines or sets up corresponding evaluating windows.

[0068]FIG. 4 shows, by way of example, that the cross-sectional area ofeach filter cigarette 1′ can be subdivided into four fields 1-4 (as seenin the clockwise direction and starting at the twelve o'clock position).Other divisions or subdivisions of the cross-sectional areas of thecigarettes 1′ can be selected with equal advantage. For example, eachsuch cross-section can be divided into eight fields each of whichextends along an arc of 45° to permit a more accurate determination ofthe locus of a strip 2′.

[0069] Referring again to FIG. 4, the strips in the uppermost row offilter cigarettes 1′ are located in the first, third, second, fourth,second and third quadrants of successive filter cigarettes 1′ (as seenfrom left to right) which adds to an encoding identified by the numeral15. In the third or lowermost row of the group 6′ shown in FIG. 4, theencoding numeral is 18, and in the median row the encoding numeral is14. The first quadrants extend from 0° to 90° (i.e., from the twelveo'clock to the three o'clock position), the second quadrants extend from90° to 180°, and so forth. Such information is processed (encoded) bythe circuit 28 which generates a symbol that is imprinted upon orotherwise applied to the packet of the respective cigarette pack(containing the group 6′). For example, the encoded information can bedenoted by the numeral 47 (i.e., 15+14+18).

[0070] The reference character 29 denotes in FIG. 5 a printer whichapplies the encoded information (47) to the packet of the respectivecigarette pack. The printer 29 can constitute an ink jet printer or aninscribing laser of any conventional design, e.g., that distributed bythe German Firm IWK Verpackungstechnik GmbH (jet printers) or by theFirm Domino Laser, Inc. (inscribing lasers).

[0071] The detector 7′ can further serve as a means for decoding theinformation which was imprinted upon or otherwise applied to the packetof the respective cigarette pack containing a group 6′. The imageprocessing unit 28 is then replaced with a non-programmed processingunit which can decode the information previously applied by the printer29, and the non-programmed processing unit is preferably furtherdesigned to compare the decoded information (symbol or symbols) with theinformation previously obtained or ascertained by the detector 7′ and/or26. The decoding assembly further employs a display which replaces theprinter 29 and serves to exhibit the decoded information (the timer 27is not necessary for the carrying out of such steps of the improvedmethod).

[0072] The exact details of all constituents of the improved apparatusform no part of the present invention. Such constituents can becommercially available units as long as they can be assembled in theaforedescribed manner or in an analogous manner to facilitate thecarrying out of the improved method.

[0073] Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal thegist of the present invention that others can, by applying currentknowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omittingfeatures that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constituteessential characteristics of the generic and specific aspects of theabove outlined contribution to the art of making and packing andidentifying arrays of smokers' products and other types of products and,therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehendedwithin the meaning and range of equivalence of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of facilitating identification of thecontents of a container for a group of commodities, comprising the stepsof: providing the group with at least one identifying indicium;confining the group in a container; generating at least one signal whichis indicative of the at least one indicium; encoding the at least onesignal; and applying to the container at least one decodable symbolwhich is indicative of the encoded at least one signal.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the group is a block-shaped array of rod-shapedarticles of the tobacco processing industry, said confining stepincluding draping the array into at least one blank of wrappingmaterial.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one identifyingindicium is a composite indicium, and further comprising the step ofmaking the commodities, said providing step including furnishing atleast some of the commodities with portions of identifying indicia inthe course of said making step.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the atleast one indicium is a composite indicium and said providing stepincludes furnishing at least some of the commodities with portions of acomposite indicium, said signal generating step including generating atleast one signal which is indicative of mutual positions of portions ofthe composite indicium in the group.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe at least one identifying indicium is detectable through thecontainer and said signal generating step includes monitoring the groupsubsequent to said confining step.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinsaid providing step includes applying to at least one commodity of thegroup at least one foreign object which is detectable through thecontainer.
 7. A method of ascertaining the integrity of the contents ofa container which confines at least one discrete commodity, comprisingthe steps of: associating the at least one commodity with at least oneidentifying indicium; confining the thus identified at least onecommodity in the container; monitoring the at least one indicium togather information denoting the thus detected identifying indicium;encoding the thus gathered information; and applying the encodedinformation to the container.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein saidmonitoring step is carried out subsequent to said confining step andsaid at least one identifying indicium is detectable through thecontainer.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the contents of thecontainer consist of an array of smokers' products, said associatingstep including providing at least some smokers' products of the arraywith portions of a composite encoded information.
 10. The method ofclaim 7, wherein said associating step includes providing the commoditywith a pattern of randomly distributed portions of a compositeidentifying indicium.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein saidmonitoring step is carried out prior to said confining step.
 12. Themethod of claim 7, wherein said monitoring step includes ascertaining atleast one of (a) the position and (b) the characteristics of the atleast one indicium.
 13. The method of claim 7, further comprising thesteps of decoding the applied information and comparing the decodedinformation with the information obtained as a result of said monitoringstep.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein said monitoring step includesascertaining the position of the at least one indicium.
 15. The methodof claim 13, wherein said monitoring step includes generating aplurality of first signals and further comprising the step of generatinga second signal denoting the sum of said first signals, said encodingstep including encoding said second signal.
 16. The method of claim 7,wherein said associating step includes associating the at least onecommodity with an indicium which is detectable through the container byat least one of acoustic, electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic,high-frequency, microwave and X-ray detectors.
 17. The method of claim7, wherein said associating step includes providing the at least onecommodity with at least one internal identifying indicium.
 18. Themethod of claim 7, wherein said associating step includes providing theat least one commodity with at least one external identifying indicium.19. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one commodity exhibitsat least one criterion and said associating step includes depriving theat least one commodity of said at least one criterion.
 20. Apparatus forfacilitating identification of the contents of a container for a groupof commodities at least one of which exhibits at least one identifyingindicium, comprising: means for generating at least one signalindicative of the at least one identifying indicium; means for encodingthe at least one signal; and means for applying to the container atleast one decodable symbol which is indicative of the encoded at leastone signal.
 21. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising means fordecoding the applied at least one symbol, and means for comparing the atleast one decoded symbol with the at last one signal generated by saidsignal generating means.
 22. The apparatus of claim 20, furthercomprising means for providing the at least one commodity of the groupwith at least one feature which causes the at least one commodity toexhibit the at least one identifying indicium.
 23. The apparatus ofclaim 22 for facilitating identification of the contents of a containerfor a group of nonmetallic commodities, wherein said providing meansincludes means for combining said at least one commodity with at leastone metallic particle.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein thenonmetallic commodities comprise tubular envelopes and said at least onemetallic particle is provided at the envelope of the at least onecommodity.
 25. A smokers' product comprising a first portion and asecond portion constituting at least one identifying indicium for thefirst portion.
 26. The smokers' product of claim 25, wherein said secondportion includes at least one piece of a metallic material.
 27. Thesmokers' product of claim 26, wherein the first portion includes afilter for tobacco smoke and said at least one piece of metallicmaterial is integrated into a haphazardly chosen part of said filter.